What did James Franklin say about Michigan football quarterback?

Today, Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin had a chance to talk about this weekend’s matchup against the No. 3 Wolverines, who are coming off a solid 41-13 victory over Purdue last weekend. Last year, U-M crushed Penn State 41-17 at the Big House, and on Saturday, amid scandal and more, will be looking to do more of the same. Here is what Franklin had to say about Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy.

What did James Franklin say about Michigan football quarterback?

Today, 10th-year Penn State Nittany Lions Head Coach James Franklin had a chance to give his thoughts on third-year Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy. So far, Franklin’s Lions have only faced McCarthy twice (2021, 2022); however, only one of those seasons was McCarthy a starter.

3Still, Michigan has yet to lose to Penn State since JJ’s arrival in Ann Arbor, which is something that Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines will be looking to continue this weekend when they head to State College, PA.

“Yeah, I think he (JJ McCarthy) is just a more experienced player,” James Franklin said of the junior Michigan football quarterback on Monday. “(JJ has) always been able to make plays with his feet. He’s just improved, kind of well-rounded. He’s throwing for a higher completion percentage. Doing a great job protecting the football. He can extend the plays and make big-time throws.”

Penn State coach notes Michigan’s lack of “big game” experience this fall

James Franklin also (accurately) pointed out that Michigan football is yet to truly be tested this fall. While JJ McCarthy — and many other Wolverines — have plenty of big game experience, the last time that Michigan played a ranked team was against Texas Christian in the Fiesta Bowl last year.

“The biggest thing with (Michigan football) is they really have not been challenged,” James Franklin said. “They’ve had really good game control on offense and defense. They’re usually ahead on the scoreboard for the most part, and they’re usually ahead of the sticks on offense and defense. And when you’re able to do that, then you’re putting your quarterback or your guys in a very advantageous position as well. So — game control will be an important part of this game.”

No. 3 vs. No. 9 is a much-anticipated matchup this week

Michigan football and Penn State will face off at Beaver Stadium this weekend at 12:10 PM (ET) on FOX. Right now, the No. 3 Wolverines are 6.5-point favorites over the No. 9 Nittany Lions — expect this line to move throughout the week, especially if the Big Ten decides to suspend Jim Harbaugh — or anyone else — later this week.

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